From the Floors Up

How To Use the Elements and Principles Of Design To Decorate Like An Interior Designer, Part 10

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Part 10 Light

Light is an incredibly complex aspect of home design. To create something special you must consider both function and effect, and it is typically necessary to use more than one light source in a room. As defined in design, light is considered radiant or visible wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum of energy. If you are a fan of science, this definition will tickle your fancy! For the rest of you, light is simply that which illuminates something our eyes are trying to see. This might be a specific object, or an entire room. 

Not understanding light beyond its utilitarian purposes is the number one obstacle to using it effectively in decorating. Let’s break it down. Types of lighting include: task, ambient, natural, and accent. Task lighting is a source of light well suited to a specific, focused activity, such as a lamp on your desk. Natural light is self explanatory – think windows. Ambient light is what you might call mood lighting. It adds a soft, aura-like glow and it is more relaxing than combustion lighting. An example of combustion lighting is a stark overhead light source in a room. Typically it’s not comfortable for more than a short period of time.    

The photo above shows the use of ambient lighting in the form of recessed lighting. Recessed means it’s flush with the surface – in this case, the ceiling. Notice it surrounds the bed rather than being positioned directly over top of it. The room also features ample natural light by way of the large windows. It can be diffused using sheers on the windows.

There’s is also creative use of accent lighting. The blue neon lights don’t necessarily provide a lot of illumination by which to see, but they are a pleasing aesthetic element that coordinates nicely with the lavender walls. All of these light sources are effective but not glaring. This is especially important in a bedroom where harsh, direct light is not conducive to relaxation. Last, note how light is used in the room to make it seem larger. It is actually quite small, but the various light sources and their simplistic form make it appear more spacious and airy.

Next read Part 11 – Balance

Don’t forget to go back and start by reading Part 1

How To Use the Elements and Principles Of Design To Decorate Like An Interior Designer, Part 7

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Part 7 Pattern

We know, we know! Pattern is one of the toughest elements to incorporate into decorating. There are so many choices that picking just one is a huge task. Forget mixing them! Who knows how to do that without creating a circus atmosphere? Well, actually, you! Simply follow these basic guidelines to get a grip on pattern.

As with our previous posts, let’s start once again with the definition of the word pattern. As it relates to interior decorating, pattern represents a change of shape or organized set of shapes wherein the parts of the series mimic the original in one or more attributes. Pattern is also predictable by nature, though it usually appears periodically in a room rather than throughout. When used properly it’s also proportionate to the other elements of design in the room.

So, what exactly does all of that mean? Let’s break it down. The fact that it mimics itself is obvious, but have you ever given thought to the fact that it evokes a sense of predictability? This is sometimes very effective for establishing a sense of continuity in a room. When complimentary elements of design like furnishings and textiles are combined, it creates a relationship between separate parts. When your surround it all with pattern, though, the room has a feeling of completeness because it’s as if it’s encased. The mind can settle into the oneness of the space by relying on the sense of predictability that causes us to feel as if all things important have been considered.

 For it to be executed expertly, however, pattern must be proportionate to everything else. One way to accomplish this is to use it periodically, for example, featuring a pattern on just three walls. Then, perpetuate the effect by incorporating additional patterns that coordinate. To do so you can use similar colors and/or smaller or larger versions related to the main pattern. This way they won’t compete with each other. Notice in the example photo that the three patterns are all a different scale. The floor is a large scale checker pattern, the wallpaper is a medium scale stripe pattern, and the pillows are a small scale geometrical patter. The harmony is completed by a consistent shade of green throughout!

Next read Part 8 – Time

Don’t forget to go back and start reading with Part 1

From the Floors Up

From the Floors Up blog was created with the goal of providing a destination for consumers, designers and those interested in the flooring, design, and kitchen and bath industries. Here you’ll find, current, accurate and informative information that is always just a click away!

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